Jonas Ridge Store has new ownership!

[CafeTBird]

Anyone that has ridden highway NC 181 out of Morganton, NC north to the Blue Ridge Parkway is probably familiar with the Jonas Ridge Store.  It is that one on top of the twisty mountain run, with the old Esso sign on the side, and the parking lot that has always been a popular loitering spot for most riders around there.  Just in case you need a refresher, here it is:



The place went out of business a couple of months back, and has been sitting idle, while still accumlating the loiterers.  It is the "Calderwood Overlook" of NC 181, if you know what I mean.  Well there is some good news - the place has been purchased by motorcycle enthusiasts that plan to reopen it with a bit of a flair for us riders in mind!

3 of the members of our Charlotte RAT pack have bought the place. Tom "Motoman" Bridges (http://www.campmotoman.com), Bob Rehley, and John (Got Wilk?) Wilkinson bit the bullet and bought it a couple of weeks back, because they recognize that it has great potential!  They are modeling it with a little bit of Crossroads of Time, a little bit of the Shady Valley Country Store, a little bit of TWO, and a little bit of their own flair.  These guys have a unique kind of ingenuity.  We went up there today to check it out, it is going to be fantastic!

So when you find yourself motoring the "181 Speedway", please be sure to stop in and support your fellow riders in this new endeavor....  they are in the process of re-stocking, and it will be repoening in 2 weeks.

[iXXion]

Great news....I always felt the place had a lot of potential for the motorcycle crowd...glad to hear some enthusiasts are the force behind it.  Definately one more reason to head to Jonas Ridge when we're in the area.

[BobW]

Thanks for the info. We knew it had been purchased, but not any of the details. Place has gone through a couple of owners, this concept sounds like it should do very well.

Cheers
Bob

[Desmo Demon]

The winter months will probably not be the easiest for them with a new business venture like that, so I'll try to make a run up there in the next few weeks and buy something to help them along until spring.  

[sprint_st]

I stopped by yesterday.  Nice place.  First time I went up 181 too.  Nice road. It's fun to watch the cars pull up to the pumps and try to get gas. You could start a lottery on how long it takes for them to figure out they aren't working    

[Mr. Average]

I was delighted to hear the great news.  My retirement home is about 10 minutes from there and I told my wife several years ago that the right person with vision would buy it someday and turn it into a motorcycle destination.  If I had been younger and had the gumption and the inclination for hard work I would have bought it myself.
I stopped by Saturday to say hello and they seem to be a great group of people.  The RAT club connection would explain the Triumphs in the parking lot.  I believe the grand opening is on Oct 27 with a live band to help celebrate.  Now if I can just talk them into putting in a good espresso machine, I can sit on the porch and imagine I'm back in the Alps  

[JoBu]

I just added it to my "places to see" for my next trip to the mtns.  Thanks a bunch for posting this info.

Cheers,

Joe

[CafeTBird]

Now if I can just talk them into putting in a good espresso machine, I can sit on the porch and imagine I'm back in the Alps  

It is pretty good for that, isn't it?  I had a mental image right away, as I was up there once on April 1st sitting on that front porch in a snow storm....

Don't worry - they will have good coffee, I am sure. From the sounds of things, there'll be a simple, but satisfying menu in the kitchen, with seasonal variations.  Nathans hot dogs, hopefully good Carolina que, chili....

They also plan to add elements that appeal to the hikers, cyclists, and Parkway traffic, not just motorcycles.  The winter should give them opportunity to establish themselves...

[johnbryer]

Wish I was still around to support them.  I hope they do well.  It should be a great location.

[Mr. Average]

It is pretty good for that, isn't it?  I had a mental image right away, as I was up there once on April 1st sitting on that front porch in a snow storm....

Don't worry - they will have good coffee, I am sure. From the sounds of things, there'll be a simple, but satisfying menu in the kitchen, with seasonal variations.  Nathans hot dogs, hopefully good Carolina que, chili....

They also plan to add elements that appeal to the hikers, cyclists, and Parkway traffic, not just motorcycles.  The winter should give them opportunity to establish themselves...

I like your list of bikes.  I grew up in Pleasant Gardens, between Marion and Old Fort so I am a homeboy to that area.  We are in Clemson now but will be moving to the Linville area full time this Spring.  Lets get together sometime for a quick spin in the mts.  Do you know the new owner's of the store?  I sure hope they do well and we will try to suport them whenever we can.

[prez]

Thanks for the tip T-bird, may head up there this weekend. Be nice to meet "mototman". BTW, might I have met Bob at Mac's before?

[CafeTBird]

Do you know the new owner's of the store?  I sure hope they do well and we will try to suport them whenever we can.

Yeah, they are some of my riding buddies.  A pretty eclectic group with an MV, Triumphs, Ducatis, Moto Guzzis, Yamahas and a Harley Cafe Racer among their rides...  I expect that ecleticism will reflect on the store also.

I am willing to bet a group of us will be going up on the 27th for the official opening.

[CafeTBird]

Thanks for the tip T-bird, may head up there this weekend. Be nice to meet "mototman". BTW, might I have met Bob at Mac's before?

You might have met any of them at Macs before - they have all been there.  There are about 3 Bob's in our group, though - and also Bob the Service Manager from Motorcycles of Charlotte.  This Bob has an FJR and a Harley Sportster Cafe Racer.

[falcofred]

It's on my calender, as long as the weather is good, and my family doesn't have any conflicts on the calender I"ll be there.

[BobW]

Stopped in today to say Hey. They are getting their ducks in row for the Grand Opening. Very good long time plans coming together. Side note; temps are perfect, fall colors are starting and the deer and wild turkey were everywhere.

[iXXion]

Figured here would be as good as any place to ask.

I'm seeing Table Rock Mountain Road, connecting to 181 just south of Jonas Ridge and reconnecting with 181 several miles south of there, all on the western side.   Does anyone know this road?  It has been previously mentioned that Pirelli Diablo's don't like dirt roads, and I heartily concur.

Thanks!

[dlrides]

Figured here would be as good as any place to ask.

I'm seeing Table Rock Mountain Road, connecting to 181 just south of Jonas Ridge and reconnecting with 181 several miles south of there, all on the western side.   Does anyone know this road?  It has been previously mentioned that Pirelli Diablo's don't like dirt roads, and I heartily concur.

Thanks!

It is a gravel road, travel it frequently. One set of switchbacks are a little rough. I ride it on my '74 cafe' racer sometimes too.

[JohnBoy]

Anyone know of any details on the grand opening?  All day thing?  Music, food....dynos?

[dlrides]

I hope this place does not turn into a gay pirate(HD) hangout. Since it is a 70 mile round trip from the Hickory area, it makes an all day poser ride.

 

[Lone_RT_rider]

Anyone know of any details on the grand opening?  All day thing?  Music, food....dynos?

John,

Let me know if you head that direction.  The RT is back in one piece and running great (as is my knee).  It sounds like a good day ride for me.  

Shawn